A Cyclopaedia of Female Biography/Guercheville, Antoinette de Pons, Marchioness of
Is remarkable for her spirited answer to Henry the Fourth of France. "If," said she, "I am not noble enough to be your wife, I am too much so to be your mistress." When Henry married Mary de Medicis, he made this lady dame d'honneur to. that princess. "Since," said he, "you are really dame d'honneur, be so to the queen, my wife."
GUERCHEVILLE, ANTOINETTE DE PONS, MARCHIONESS OF,
On one occasion, having hunted purposely near her chateau, Henry sent word to Madame de Guercheville that he would sup and lodge at her house; she replied that all possible attention should be paid to his accommodation. Henry, delighted at this answer, hastened to the château, where he was received by his hostess, elegantly attired, and surrounded by all her household. Having lighted the king herself to his room, she bowed and retired. When supper was served up, Henry sent for the lady, but was told she had just driven from the house, leaving this message for him:—"A king, wherever he is, should always be master. As to myself, I also choose to be free."